Lost and Found

"No, no, no. This can't be happening. That silly filly. Where could she be?"

The frantic sounds of a stallion in distress echoes the alleyways of Canterlot, as he makes his way around the streets, avoiding collisions with the other pedestrian ponies.

The stallion comes to a halt, as he sees a familiar face.

"Cadance." says the stallion.

"Cadance!" he cries, chasing after her. "Princess Cadance!"

The pink pony stops in her tracks and turns around to find...

"Shining Armor?"
"Cadance," huffs Shining Armor, out of breath. "Cadance. I need your help. Twilight is missing. I looked everywhere! My parents are going to kill me!"

The princess takes the situation in, and calmly coaxes information from Shining Armor.

"Where did you last see her, Shining Armor?"
"She was with me. We were at the bookstore browsing when she disappeared out of sight. The shopkeeper didn't see Twilight leave the store."
"Don't worry, big guy. We'll find Twilight. Where have you searched already?"
"Uh, I looked all over the row of shops. The bookstore, the other bookstore, the candy shop, even that place that sells quills."
"Have you tried the library? Maybe Twilight wandered off. It's not very far away."
"Maybe, I haven't checked the library yet."
"Okay. We'll make our way there. Take a look around."
"I can't lose her, Cadance. I never lost her like this before."
"We'll find her, Shining Armor. I'm concerned for Twilight as much as you are. But you have to stay calm and keep your chin up. She can't have gotten far."

Princess Cadance tries to comfort Shining Armor as the two ponies make their way to Canterlot Library. They enter the building to be greeted by shelf-lined walls full of reading material.

"This place is huge." says Shining Armor.
"We'll split up." instructs Princess Cadance. "I'll take the foals' section, you go check the upper floors. We'll meet back here after our search. Hopefully, Twilight is in here somewhere."

They both nod and make their way to their respective search zones. Cadance canters hurriedly past the low shelving units chock full of books for colts and fillies. But no sign of any purple filly around, not even in the play area. Shining Armor scans the halls and rows of shelves on the upper floors for a purple blur, but to no avail.

Shining Armor and Princess Cadance meet up back at the library foyer after their search, showing disappointed faces.

"There's no sign of her here." whimpers Shining Armor. "I asked some of the other ponies and librarians on the upper floors, too."

The stallion slumps and sits on the wooden floor in despair.

"What am I going to do, Cadance?"
"I'm out of ideas if you've searched most of around here already. We could go see Aunt Celestia, maybe she can help."
"All the way to Canterlot Castle?"
"It's our best hope now. C'mon, we're wasting time sitting around."

Shining Armor gets up and reluctantly follows the princess. The two leave the library and make their way up to Canterlot Castle.

The late afternoon sun beats down onto the two ponies as they approach the castle grounds. They are stopped by a Royal Guard at the castle gates.

"Pardon me, princess, but I can't allow unannounced visitors to enter the castle. There has been an intrusion and I have my orders."
"Please, sir. It's an emergency."
"I'm sorry, princess. I'm afraid your friend will have to wait outside."
"But..."
"What's this little commotion about?"

The three ponies maintain shocked and awed faces as Princess Celestia presents herself at the castle gates. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance bow in reverence.

"Princess Celestia," explains Princess Cadance. "My friend, Shining Armor, can't find his little sister. And we ask for any assistance you can bestow to us to help find her."
"So that's who that little filly is!"
"Have you seen my sister, Your Highness?"
"Hmm... Follow me to the castle, both of you."

At once, the unicorn guard allows the two ponies to pass the castle gates. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance follow Princess Celestia in, up and around the castle grounds, eventually ending up at a majestic door, of which the princess magics open. They reveal Princess Celestia's private quarters, and a worried little filly on the centre rug.

"TWILY!" exclaims Shining Armor, who dashes in and picks up his little sister. "Twily. Don't scare your big brother like that. Have you been here all this time?"
"How did she get up here past the castle guards?" asks Princess Cadance.

Princess Celestia let's out a chuckle and goes on to explain.

"It's a very curious thing. I was right here in my room when a flash from the walk-in closet caught my eye. I wandered over to take a look when a little filly appeared out of nowhere. She appeared shocked and scared, holding on to this copy of 'Telekinesis and Teleportation' and asking me if I have seen her big brother."

"She must've been trying out a spell when it backfired and sent her here!" hypothesises Shining Armor.
"Indeed she was." agrees Princess Celestia.
"But, isn't the castle protected by a teleportation-proof blanket spell?" quizzes Shining Armor.
"A sharp observation. Which explains the 'curious' part. It turns out the castle's protective spell doesn't detect such teleportation spells when one is used without intent or malice. And poor little Twilight Sparkle was just quivering in shock when she appeared in my closet. I fear to think what would have happened if she ended up somewhere else."

"I'm so sorry, big brother." cries a teary-eyed Twilight.
"It's alright. You didn't know this would happen. You need to be careful when you try to experiment with spells, okay? Always ask a grown-up first."
"You're very lucky to have such a brother who is so concerned over your safety, Twilight." says Princess Cadance, who gives the filly a consoling hug. "I'm so glad we found you safe and sound."

"I'm sorry for all this trouble, your majesty." says Shining Armor.
"It was no trouble at all, Shining Armor." assures Princess Celestia. "I must say your little sister possesses a remarkable skill at magic being at such a young age. And I certainly wouldn't mind to see what she is capable of in the future."
"Well, we'd better go return the book to the shopkeeper." advises Princess Cadance. "Say goodbye to Princess Celestia, Twilight."

Twilight Sparkle waves Princess Celestia goodbye as she peeks down at Twilight Sparkle.

"You have a lot of potential there, little one. Keep at it!"

Little Twilight beams at the princess, as she leaves the castle with Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, the evening sunset shining through the halls.